Except when attending an ethnic get together where a shared heritage is of interest, I'm just an American. Which I will grant some Canadians take issue with, as they too can be styled "Americans". At a Highland Games or Celtic Festival my Irish, Scots, and Welsh ancestry is of importance otherwise it really doesn't matter. My clan affiliation is as well. When attending a Renaissance Fair the English can also be of interest. Seldom, if ever, is my Norwegian or French ancestry of significance. When attending Pow-wows that I am Mohawk and Ottawa is most important. But for everyday use, I'm an American. That there have been and still are racists in The United States goes without saying. And there is certainly room for improvement. But the fact that we can have this conversation, and perhaps even more importantly are having this conversation is more important. That many Americans still view our nation as a work in progress is a good thing. Too much of the rest of the world is very willing to criticize others, but unwilling to look at themselves. And being over 40 I can remember "White Only" signs, country clubs who systematically excluded all but a select few who were the right color and went to the right church, and other overt forms of discrimination. We've come a long way and still have a ways to go. But that we recognize we are not there yet is significant. Much of the rest of the world (and I've seen it first hand) is perfectly happy with where they are and see no reason to change how they do things. James Brothers, RPA [log in to unmask] To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html